3 April 2017

IS BEAUTY SKIN DEEP?

So this is a little different from my normal lifestyle posts but as I'm investing in a little self care at the moment – read more about why here – I thought it would be good to share my morning at the EF MediSpa Bristol and my state of shock when I saw the results!

I was invited in for a bit of a pamper session and to indulge in a facial treatment. I've always been quite lucky with my skin, I've never had acne or many spots at all as a teen – I put this down to karma offsetting my train track brace I was sporting – and didn't really given much thought to my skincare in my twenties. Splashing water on my face, using a cleanser and moisturiser was pretty much my daily routine. Think NO suncream, no sunnies and a serious lack of water drinking throughout my more youthful years *insert my 36 years old self posting a shock horror emoji here*, because who has time for that right when you can go out party and have fun.

So is beauty skin deep? Well no BUT looking after it goes a long way and I now know if you take care of yourself you're pretty certain to reap the rewards later on. EF MediSpa was founded in 2006 as one of the UK’s first medical spas, a one-stop location providing intelligent skincare, face and body treatments, ranging from non-invasive and minimally invasive solutions right through to surgical options.

As expected the staff were super friendly and the space is light, spacious and very relaxing. After a quick peek around the spa I met with my consultant to see how my skin is at the age of 36. Using a rather nifty device my face was photographed to show what's seen by the naked eye and the various layers allowing any flaws or areas of concern to be shown. I've always been rosy cheeked and I now know that's due to a few broken capillaries which is treatable, but the biggest shocker was how dehydrated my skin was *yep still don't drink enough water* and OMG the UV damage after all those care free years without sunscreen.

I was given a soothing facial using a blend of low percentage alpha and beta hydroxy acids which has a warm slight tingly effect and is perfect for *ahem* ageing skin, followed by a hydrating mask and serum. Afterwards my skin felt sooooo soft and smooth and continued to do so for 3 days post treatment. I was advised to use a cream cleanser rather than the liquid one I have at home, and that I would benefit from using cosmeceutical cream containing 0.5% retinol to help boost collagen.

So what have I learned aside from facials are a super relaxing treat?

SUN CARE

When it comes to sun, it's best to lather on that factor thirty unless you want to end up like my freckled face with sun damage. Opt for one that has a UVA protection as well as UVB. While UVB is a protection against sunburn *hello redness* the UVA protects you from the damaging rays that cause sunspots and aging.

HIGH STREET PRODUCTS

As we know high street creams, serums and magical anti-aging potions are made for the mass market, who is made up from a huge variety of skin types, meaning whetever they will have a low percentage of active ingredents as it's the easiest way to have one product suit many. So yes use your fave but maybe invest in one cream that is suited to your particular skin and will get the best from it.